Volume 4 (2021)

First page of the paper.

Special issue on mummification

Death and Mummification in Ancient Egypt: An Overview

Maravelia, Alicia

Abstract:

This review paper provides a summary of our current knowledge concerning mummification in ancient Egypt. Using interactive media and breath–taking pictures, it shows the importance and the particularly metaphysi­cal character of embalmment, as well as its cosmic and astronomical extensions and its absolutely equilibra­ted integration into the beam of burial customs and rituals. It briefly analyses the concomitant funereal magi­co–religious habits (emphasizing the Opening the Mouth of the deceased). Reference will be also given to the inscriptions on the coffins (being mostly Offering Formulas) and their relation to the mummification process and the funereal beliefs of the ancient Nile–Dwellers. The unique scope of the apparently «death–centered», but actually life–centered, perspective of the Egyp­tians was the perpetuation of life after death and the smo­oth transition/passage of the deceased into the bliss of (a celestial) eternal life, in the Kingdom of Osiris.

Citation:

Maravelia, A. 2021. «Death and Mummification in Ancient Egypt: An Overview», JHIE 4: 3–20

DOI:

10.5281/zenodo.5775683

Language: en

Submitted on 2021-06-15; accepted on 2021-11-25

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